Sandra Nussbaum, Environment Advocate

How did you initially get engaged in environmental work – personally and professionally?

In the early 1990s, I wanted to change careers from working in procurement at a defense contractor to something for which I had a personal passion. From three things on my list, I decided to pursue the field of solid waste management. I had always had an interest in being less wasteful and when Minneapolis started its curbside recycling program in the early 80s, I became a recycling block captain, learning more about the program and helping to educate others. After returning to school and completing coursework in this field of study, in 1997 I got a part-time internship at Hennepin County Environmental Services which then became a full-time permanent position. I primarily worked on business waste reduction and public education and outreach regarding waste reduction, reuse and recycling. However, while there, I was also assigned to other areas for which the Department was involved in public education and outreach including backyard composting, sustainable landscaping, source-separated organics collection and stormwater management. This necessitated a lot of new learning for the purposes of my work, and simultaneously I found that these subjects had developed into new personal passions.

What’s the most important thing you do for the environment?

There are two things I do for the environment that I feel are very important. The first is to educate others about what I have learned that will help to improve the quality and sustainability of our natural environment. The second is to try to lead by example. I have two rain gardens, two rain barrels, many native plants and no high-maintenance turf grass in my yard.

What is the one thing you won’t compromise on?

Recycling everything that can be recycled.

What’s a tip for someone who wants to learn more about green gardening, recycling or sustainability?

Check out the Enduring Environs blog where you’ll find past issues of informative newsletters and links to many resources regarding sustainable landscaping, stormwater management, recycling and much more.

When you’re not working in your garden, where in Lynnhurst can we find you?

I love to visit the local businesses, walking to them whenever possible. I also enjoy walks and biking around Lake Harriet and on the paths by Minnehaha Creek. You may also find me periodically cleaning leaves and twigs off the storm drains (aka catch basins) on my end of our block.